Project dates: May 2012 - April 2014
Professional first responders (Police, Firefighters and EMTs) have a critical role to play in effectively responding to an opioid-associated overdose emergency, yet many are not equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively. This training: 1) explains why first responders need education and tools to reverse opioid-associated overdoses; 2) teaches and demonstrates (using animated scenarios, graphic sequences, and narration provided by professional voice actors) how to respond effectively to an opioid-associated overdose in accordance with AHA and departmental protocols; 3) describes barriers to calling 911, and the purpose and content of Good Samaritan Laws (with active links to additional information for each state); and, 4) links first responders to additional online information and resources.
Abstrac on NIH RePORTERImplementation of online opioid prevention, recognition and response trainings for laypeople: Year 1 survey results
Substance Use and Misuse, 53 (12), 1997-2002. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1451891. PMCID: PMC6240473.
Simmons J, Rajan S, Goldsamt L, Elliott L (2016).
Implementation of online opioid overdose prevention, recognition and response trainings for professional first responders: Year 1 survey results
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 169, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.003. PMCID: PMC5140716.